By Robert Kessler, MD — Plastic Surgeon, Newport Beach, CA
A well-placed Cesarean section scar sits across the top of the pubic hairline. How it heals depends not only on how you heal, but on the closure technique your obstetrician uses. As a plastic surgeon, I see many C-section scars that are wide, depressed, or stuck to the underlying tissue, creating a fold in the lower abdomen.
Correcting a Difficult Scar
The good news is that most of these issues can be corrected with scar revision or a tummy tuck, accompanied by post-operative compression garments. With a tummy tuck, the C-section scar is completely removed and the underlying strength layer — the Scarpa’s fascia — is approximated with suture. Placing the tension of the closure on this layer keeps minimal tension on the skin, which matters because tension is one of the main causes of wide scarring. Putting the Scarpa’s fascia together also prevents a depressed or tethered scar once everything has healed.
Why Compression Matters for Scars
Post-operative compression garments have been shown to reduce fluid collections at the surgical site and to minimize swelling, which can otherwise create tension across the incision. Fluid can accumulate both in the tissue and in the spaces surgery creates, and both hinder healing. Most people also experience less post-operative pain while wearing compression. These garments can hold silicone sheeting in place — clearly shown to reduce hypertrophic or keloid scarring — and abdominoplasty and liposuction patients reach their final results noticeably sooner with compression than those who go without.
Whether you’re healing from delivery or considering a procedure later, gentle compression supports the area day to day. Jenn can help you understand what’s happening and what helps.